Dr (Mrs) Adejoke Adekanmbi Akinseye, a mathematician, said that education and skill development can bring about big changes.
Adejoke stated this in Ibadan during the opening of the Aderoju Ayoade Adekanmbi Foundation (AAA), a center for teaching practical skills that she created in memory of her late father.
During her speech, Adejoke said, 'Today is a big step forward in our efforts to empower and educate people. It's with great pleasure and humility that I'm here today to open our new vocational center for women, young people, and families, named the Aderoju Ayoade Adekanmbi center for vocational training and job center.'
She also shared about her father, who was a philanthropist and educated many people, even helping them get university degrees. He helped families and pulled them out of poverty. Despite dying young at 57, he made a big impact, so she's dedicating the building to his memory.
She mentioned, 'Through this vocational center, we want to educate individuals and give them the practical skills and knowledge they need to do well in today's changing job market.'
Adejoke also explained, 'We plan to have a math and science center here to teach math and science to students, helping them improve their knowledge and embrace science, technology, engineering, and math. I'm very passionate about Mathematics, and my PhD in Mathematics taught me that there's no limit to what you can achieve.'
Adejoke added, 'AAA center offers hope and opportunity, providing a way to a better future for individuals who have had trouble getting education and job opportunities. At AAA center, we're going to offer informal education in areas like digital skills, media, catering and baking, photography, fashion, beauty treatment, and agriculture. This AAA vocational training center is working with international organizations for partnership and accreditation.'
According to her, the center will help young people become employers and break the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and inequality.
The opening of the center was attended by dignitaries from various fields, including the former prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Emeritus Prelate, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, the Methodist Bishops of Elekuro Cathedral, Ibadan, and the Diocese of Ogbomoso, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology.
Other attendees included the Oyo State Head of Service, the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) worldwide, and the wife of the ex-governor of Oyo State.
The person who started AAA praised the work of the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for improving the state and giving women opportunities to contribute.
Adejoke also expressed gratitude to her husband and mentor, Barrister Shina Akinseye, for being her source of support.
“Most importantly, this center is not just about what happens within its walls, it is about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond. As the individuals who pass through our doors go out to contribute to their communities and economies, they will inspire others to dream, strive, and succeed. I would like to express my deepest thanks to all those who have made this center a reality, from my family to the architect who designed this place to the builders, our committed staff, and volunteers to our partners.
“It is all your collective efforts that made today possible. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the true measure of our success will not be in the number of certificates we hand out or the skills we impart but our success will be in the lives we touch and the futures we shape,” Adejoke said.
